The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injuries sustained in an Israeli drone strike on Jenin on 2/22. Israeli settlers raid Taybeh, kidnapping 3 elderly Palestinian farmers who are later released from a military base in Tarqumiyah. Israeli forces seize a bulldozer during a raid in Nabi Salih. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp, killing at least 90 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb near Baalbek, killing 2 people and injuring 6 others. Israeli forces also bomb al-Sarira, Ayta ash Shab, Majadel, and Wadi al-Dalafa, killing at least 2 people in Majadil. Islamic Jihad says 2 of its fighters are killed in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah shoots down an Israeli drone using a surface-to-air missile and fires 60 Katyusha rockets at an Israeli military site. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack 6 sites. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; AP 2/27; UNOCHA 2/28)

More than 29,782 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 70,043 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,575 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 238 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 138 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. Israel allows 10 trucks carrying aid to enter northern Gaza. Jordan and France airdrop aid to Gaza from 4 C-130 planes at 11 sites. The Red Crescent says it has suspended medical missions for the next 48 hours as it is unable to ensure the safety of its staff. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; AP, UNOCHA 2/27)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh resigns on behalf of himself and the rest of the cabinet during the weekly cabinet meeting in Ramallah, saying “the next stage and its challenges require new governmental and political arrangements that take into account the new reality in Gaza and the need for a Palestinian-Palestinian consensus based on Palestinian unity.” Shtayyeh says he submitted his resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas on 2/20 but formally submitted his resignation in writing today. Abbas accepts the resignation of Shtayyeh and the rest of the cabinet, asking him and the rest of the ministers to stay on as caretakers until a new government is formed. Shtayyeh, who has been prime minister since March 2019, also cites the genocide in Gaza and the “unprecedent escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem” as reasons for resigning. Before Shtayyeh’s resignation, over the weekend it was rumored that the Palestinian government would resign in order to facilitate the formation of a technocratic government to be led by the PA as requested by the U.S. (HA 2/25; AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; AP, HA 2/27)

The New York Times reports that Israel has agreed to release 15 high-profile Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 5 female Israeli soldiers as part of the potential ceasefire deal. U.S. president Joe Biden says he hopes a ceasefire agreement can be reached by 3/4. Axios reports that Israeli military chief of staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar traveled to Egypt last week to assure the Egyptian government that Israel will take measures to prevent Palestinians from fleeing to Egypt during its planned invasion of Rafah. A delegation of Israeli officials arrive in Qatar for ceasefire talks. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Palestinians will not be allowed to return to northern Gaza until all Israeli captives are released. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi and U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken discuss the ceasefire negotiations. (AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU 2/26; AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/27)

Israeli industry minister Nir Barkat meets with Saudi minister of commerce Majid bin Abdullah Alkassabi on the sidelines of a World Trade Organization meeting in the UAE, saying the 2 countries can “make history together.” (AJ 2/26)

During the sixth and final day of the ICJ hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the Arab League calls the occupation an “affront to international justice” and says Israel perpetrates “racial domination and apartheid” against Palestinians. Turkey, Zambia, Spain, Fiji, the Maldives, the African Union, and the OIC also present arguments. During the 6 days of hearings, only the U.S., Fiji, Hungary, and the UK spoke in favor of Israel’s argument that the court should not make a decision on the occupation while 50 other countries and organizations argued, to varying degrees, that the occupation is illegal and has to end. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; WAFA 2/27)

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says the UN Security Council’s “lack of unity on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and on Israel’s military operations in Gaza following the horrific terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October, has severely—perhaps fatally—undermined its authority,” calling for reform of the council. Arab diplomats meet with Guterres, warning him about Israeli plans to severely limit the number of worshippers allowed at the Haram al-Sharif compound during Ramadan. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 2/26)

USAID administrator Samantha Power visits a World Food Programme warehouse in Jordan, saying only around 85 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza a day while around 500 are needed. (AJ, HA 2/26)

President Biden reiterates in an interview his previous claim that without Israel, Jews living throughout the world would not be safe. (AJ 2/27)

Israel submits a report on progress it has made since the ICJ issued provisional measures to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza as part of the South African genocide case against Israel. Human Rights Watch says Israel has ignored the ICJ provisional measures and “in some ways even intensified its repression, including further blocking lifesaving aid.” Amnesty International also says Israel has failed to comply with the measures. (Airwars, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 2/26; NYT 2/27)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell criticizes European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with El Pais, saying her trip to Israel in October 2023 “with such a completely pro-Israeli position, without representing anyone but herself in a matter of international politics, has carried a high geopolitical cost for Europe.” Borrell also says Israeli prime minister Benjamin “Netanyahu’s plans for Gaza are unacceptable. The seeds of hatred are being sown for generations. It is an open secret that the Israelis funded Hamas and played at dividing the Palestinians.” (AJ, EP 2/26)

19,012 artists sign an open letter calling on Israel to be banned from the Venice Biennale, saying there should not be a “genocide pavilion at the Venice Biennale.” Italian minister of culture Gennaro Sanguiliano rejects the call, saying the letter is “shameful.” The Biennale later issues a statement saying it would “not take into consideration any petition or call to exclude” countries. (AJ, ANGA, HA 2/26; AJ, AJ, REU 2/27; AP, NYT 2/28)

In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike killed 471 Palestinians in al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The hospital, which was filled with patients and Palestinians seeking shelter from Israeli bombardment, had received evacuation warnings from Israel on 10/14, 10/15, and 10/16. Israel claimed it was an errant rocket fired by Hamas that caused the mass casualties, however all evidence presented by Israel was debunked in subsequent investigations. Other Israeli airstrikes killed around 200 Palestinians, mostly in Rafah and Khan Yunis. Israel also assassinated the head of Hamas’ Shura Council Osama Mazini, who led negotiations on the prisoner exchange that saw Gilad Shalit transferred to Israel in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in 2011, and Hamas commanders Muhammad Alwadia, Ayman Nofal, and Akram Hijaz. Israeli airstrikes also reportedly killed 3 members of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh’s family. 6 were killed in an airstrike on an UNRWA school sheltering Palestinians in al-Maghazi. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In the West Bank, there were large demonstrations against the PA and the Israeli bombing of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital throughout the West Bank, with PA forces violently dispersing Palestinian protesters, killing a 12-year-old girl in Jenin with live ammunition, and injuring many others with tear gas. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including a minor, during raids in Halhul and Nabi Salih. An elderly Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces on 10/13 in Nablus. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians, injuring 8 with live ammunition in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted an ambulance driver near al-Arroub refugee camp, causing a fractured arm and bruises. Israeli forces arrested Palestinian Legislative Council speaker Aziz Dweik during a raid. 115 others were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus, including 50 Palestinians from Gaza who were employed in Israel before being expelled to the West Bank. The Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners’ Affairs Authority said Israel has arrested 680 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked targets north of the Blue Line. Hezbollah said it fired an anti-tank missile at a vehicle in Metula; 3 were reportedly injured. Israel said it killed 4 people who had entered Israel from Lebanon. 4 were also killed in an Israeli airstrike west of Yarine. In Jordan, protesters attempted to storm the Israeli embassy in Amman. (AP 10/7; AJ, AP, HA, REU 10/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 10/18)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 3,500 Palestinians have been killed and 12,500 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 61 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 13 children. More than 1,230 had been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,229 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 11,887 housing units have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher as the latest data is from 10/14. The Palestinian civil defense team said that more than 1,000 Palestinians were under the rubble of buildings in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists said 13 Palestinian, 3 Israeli, and 1 Lebanese journalist have been killed in attacks relating to the Israel-Hamas war since 10/7. (AJ 10/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; HA 10/18)

UNRWA said parts of southern Gaza, containing about 14% of the population, received water for 3 hours. The remaining seawater desalination plant in Gaza shut down due to a lack of fuel. (AJ 10/16; HA 10/17)

Hundreds of trucks carrying aid to Gaza were stuck near the Rafah crossing as Israel continued to prevent safe passage into Gaza. Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry said the crossing was not officially closed but was not functioning due to being targeted 4 times by Israel. (AJ 10/16; HA, REU, REU 10/17)

UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said Israel’s siege and order to evacuate northern Gaza could breach international law. (AJ, REU 10/17)

Israel attempted to deny that it killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians in an airstrike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, presenting a range of questionable evidence to put the blame on Islamic Jihad. Israeli government social media accounts published what it claimed to be evidence that it was a rocket misfire not an airstrike, but later deleted the videos when a New York Times journalist questioned the timing of the videos. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said “[a]ccording to our intelligence, Hamas checked reports and understood it was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad misfire, then launched a global media campaign to inflate numbers of casualties.” Israel has previously employed misinformation campaigns to deflect blame for atrocities, on occasion then taking responsibility long after the event, as in the case of the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. A UK Channel 4 investigation said evidence presented by Israel was both likely fabricated and contradictory, but did not reach a conclusion regarding the origin of the blast. Israeli president Isaac Herzog called reports that Israel conducted the airstrike “21st century blood libel.” Many Western leaders called for an investigation or referred to the loss of life without condemning the perpetrators. Leaders in the Middle East were unequivocal in their condemnation of the Israeli airstrike. King Abdullah II of Jordan, PA president Mahmoud Abbas, and Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi canceled meetings with U.S. president Joe Biden scheduled for 10/18 in Amman. The UAE and Russia called a meeting of the UN Security Council on 10/18 on the attack on the hospital. U.S. Defense Department spokesperson Sabrina Singh said in response to questions about the incident that Hamas puts “their command and control units inside hospitals,” adding the U.S. does not know who the perpetrator was. Biden said he spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu and that his national security team will gather information about the incident. Large demonstrations were held in Washington D.C., Turkey, Jordan, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Morocco. (AJ, AP 10/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AP, C4, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18)

The PA foreign ministry accused Israel of ethnic cleansing and genocide aimed at removing all Palestinians from Gaza. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics said Israel has killed at least 3,057 Palestinians since the beginning of 2023, including 2,793 in Gaza and 264 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (WAFA, WAFA 10/17)

Fatah’s military wing, al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, called on President Abbas to step down as the head of Fatah’s Martyrs and Prisoners Commission. (AJ 10/18)

Military spokesperson Hagari ruled out a ceasefire, saying Israel continues to “prepare for the next stages of war.” Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the Israeli campaign would take several months. The Israeli military also said that it could not confirm that white phosphorus was used in attacks on Gaza but maintained that it would not be “unlawful” in certain situations. Israeli police commissioner Kobi Shabtai said, “[w]hoever wants to become an Israeli citizen, welcome. Anyone who wants to identify with Gaza is welcome. I will put him on the buses heading there now.” Shabtai also said he had outlawed demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. (HA 10/17; AJ, HA, WAFA 10/18; AJ 10/19)

After the Israeli airstrike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital, President Abbas traveled back from Amman to Ramallah to hold an emergency meeting. In a speech Abbas called the airstrike a heinous crime and declared 3 days of mourning. Earlier in the day Abbas met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Amman. Blinken later called Abbas to offer condolences on the massacre at al-Ahli Arab Hospital. PA envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour called on the UN Security Council to intervene by demanding a ceasefire. (AJ 10/16; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke with South African foreign minister Nalendi Pandor, who conveyed support for Palestine and expressed sadness for the loss of innocent life in Gaza and Israel. (AJ 10/16; REU 10/18)

The Knesset National Security Committee approved legislation allowing Israeli prisons to admit new inmates above their legal capacity, which would worsen conditions for Palestinian prisoners. Since 10/7, family visits have been suspended, public phones have been blocked, and all electrical devices have been cut off from power. The Hadassah University Hospital refused to treat a Palestinian militant captured by Israel, saying it would “offend national feelings.” (HA, HA 10/17)

The U.S. announced that President Biden will visit Israel on 10/18. The New York Times reported that Biden’s visit will postpone Israel’s planned ground operation in Gaza by at least 24 hours. The Times also reported that Israel has asked the U.S. for $10 billion in emergency aid. Secretary of State Blinken said the announcement was made after Prime Minister Netanyahu committed to allowing aid to enter Gaza and to establishing safe zones at an 8-hour long meeting of the Israeli war cabinet that Blinken attended. New York governor Kathy Hochul said she will visit Israel. Biden also said he will visit Jordan. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said he would push through an emergency aid package to Israel “as quickly as possible.” 6 Republican senators introduced legislation to end all U.S. funding for UNRWA. All senators except Rand Paul (I-KY) sponsored a resolution in support of Israel’s war against Hamas. (AJ, HA 10/16; AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/17; HA 10/18)

King Abdullah II said Jordan and Egypt would not take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza, calling it a red line. Abdullah II also met with German chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. Scholz warned Hezbollah and Iran to stay out of the Hamas-Israel war. Scholz later traveled to Israel where he met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, invoking the German genocide of the Jewish people as a reason for Germany to “ensure Israel’s existence and security.” Lebanese foreign minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Israel was “pouring oil on fire” at the Lebanese border. Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said Egypt will host a summit on the situation in Gaza on 10/21. (AJ 10/16; HA, REU, REU, REU 10/17; AP, HA 10/18)

Iranian sources told Al Jazeera that the U.S. had sent the Iranian UN representative a message warning Iran of war if it enters the conflict. (HA 10/17)

U.S. Central Command commander Michael Kurilla arrived in Israel for meetings with Israeli military leaders. The U.S. also sent 2,000 Marines to the Middle East. (AJ, HA, HA, HA 10/16; HA, REU 10/17; AP 10/18)

Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping discussed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict during a meeting in Beijing. (AJ, AJ, HA 10/17)

159 U.S. citizens were evacuated from Israel headed for Cyprus on a cruise ship. Nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens have left Israel on State Department-charted planes to Europe since 10/13. (AJ, HA, HA 10/16; HA 10/17)

Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa said Japan will donate $10 million in emergency aid to Gaza. Spain said it would donate $1 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Netherlands pledged $10 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza. (AJ 10/16; HA, REU, REU, REU 10/17)

The EU held a video conference for the leaders of its 27 members to discuss the situation in Gaza and find a unified stance after EU member states had expressed dissatisfaction with the EU leadership’s pro-Israel statements, including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s failure to call on Israel to abide by international law during her visit on 10/17. Irish president Michael D Higgins called von der Leyen’s comments about Israel’s attacks “thoughtless and even reckless,” questioning where she gets the authority to speak on behalf of the EU on the issue. After the meeting, the EU leadership agreed to condemn Hamas’ operation in Israel on 10/7, expressed solidarity with the people of Israel, said Israel has a right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law, and called on Hamas to release all captives. (AJ 10/15; AJ 10/16; AJ, EU, HA, REU 10/17)

Germany’s Mainz 05 soccer club suspended Dutch Egyptian player Anwar El Ghazi for a pro-Palestinian social media post. (AJ 10/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian and arrested 1 other near Salem. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nabi Salih, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in ‘Usarin, injuring 1 with live ammunition, 5 with baton rounds, and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 minor with a baton round and 10 others with tear gas. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Rima and Bayt Dajan. In East Jerusalem, Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan led a tour for foreign diplomats at the Western Wall. The Romanian, Italian, Slovenian, and Moldovan ambassadors to Israel canceled their participation in the tour after the EU voiced concerns. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Beit Lahiya and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9; MEMO 12/10; PCHR 12/15; UNOCHA 12/22)

Leaders at the Arab-China Summit in Riyadh called for a just and lasting solution, based on the 2-state solution, to the Israeli occupation of Palestine in their final communique of the summit. In a speech at the summit PA president Mahmoud Abbas called for the international community to not work with any Israeli government that refused to work within the framework of international law. Chinese president Xi Jinping said in a speech that he supports Palestine’s effort to gain full membership at the UN. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9; MEMO 12/10)

Palestinian member of the Knesset and leader of the Hadash party Ayman Odeh met with UN secretary-general António Guterres in New York, briefing Guterres on his concerns about the government Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present within a couple of weeks. Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan called the meeting “cowardly and shameful.” Israeli media reported that the meeting was made in coordination with the PA rather than with the Israeli foreign ministry. (ALM, HA 12/9; MEMO 12/12)

Egypt’s foreign ministry issued a statement warning Israel against continuing its attacks on Palestinians, noting that more than 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in 2022. The ministry warned that the situation will continue to deteriorate if Israel continues its current practices. (HA 12/9)

Approximately 30,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border for a massive protest dubbed the “Great March of Return” commemorating Land Day and calling for refugees’ rights to return to their homes in Israel (see extensive coverage in JPS 47 [4]). They chant slogans, throw stones, and build protest tent camps in various locations. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations in multiple locations; 15 Palestinians are killed and hundreds are injured. Video recorded at the march shows a Palestinian being shot in the back while running away from the border. The protests are set to continue for 6 weeks. Hours before the protest, the IDF declares the border area a closed military zone, threatening violence should any person approach. Israeli tanks then shell and kill a Palestinian farmer working along the border. In the evening, 2 armed Palestinians open fire on an IDF post along Gaza’s northern border. Israeli soldiers return fire, and Israeli tanks and jets strike Hamas observations posts in the area as well; there is no major damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s settlements, occupation, and separation wall, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Beita near Nablus, al-Bireh, and 3 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih); at least 26 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron. An Israeli settler driver allegedly rams and seriously injures a Palestinian near Hebron. (AJ, ALM, BBC, EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, PNN, WAFA, WP, YA 3/30; PCHR 4/5)

UN secretary-general António Guterres calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the killings in Gaza today and “appeals to those concerned to refrain from any act that could lead to further casualties and in particular any measures that could place civilians in harm’s way,” according to a spokesperson. The UNSC also convenes to discuss the killings, despite U.S. and Israeli requests to postpone the discussion to 3/31. (HA, REU 3/31)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 4 villages near Ramallah (al-Mazra‘a, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Abu Dis, and along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun and Jabaliya refugee camp; 21 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. (MNA, WAFA 3/23; PCHR 3/29)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 3 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (TOI, WAFA 3/23)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 4 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Budrus, and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Hebron, and along Gaza’s border in various locations; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 13 are injured. Reportedly for the first time, the IDF uses a drone to drop tear gas on Palestinian protesters in Gaza. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault and arrest 2 Palestinians at a mobile checkpoint near Bethlehem, issue arrest summons to 3 Palestinians during raids in Bethlehem, and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians in Madama village near Nablus; 2 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. Settlers erect tents in the yards of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles and homes outside nearby Yatta village. Palestinians set fire to an Israeli settler’s home near Nablus, sparking minor clashes with IDF troops; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police block Palestinian activists from organizing a running race to coincide with the Israeli government–organized Jerusalem Marathon, an annual race through the city that requires the closure of a number of main streets; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Approximately 5,000 runners participate in the Jerusalem Marathon. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 3/9; MNA, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/15)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s settlements, occupation, and separation wall, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, in 4 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin, Bil‘in), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Bayt Hanun, and al-Bureij refugee camp. At least 22 Palestinians are injured and 1 German national is arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops issue arrest summons to 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between the residents and IDF troops in the area; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/2; TOI 3/4 PCHR 3/8)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, occupation, and settlements, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Hebron, Jericho, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 areas near Nablus (Beita village and the Huwwara checkpoint), 5 villages near Ramallah (al-Janiya, al-Bireh, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 31 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 3 Palestinian minors during clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Nablus. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at, and open fire on, Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, causing no major damage or injuries. The attack sparks minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/23; PCHR 3/1)

The U.S. State Department announces that the new U.S. embassy in Israel will open in Jerusalem in 5/2018, implementing President Trump’s 12/6/17 pledge to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. The embassy is set to open with ambassador David Friedman and a skeleton staff working out of an existing U.S. facility in the Arnona neighborhood. “This decision will turn the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence into an even bigger celebration,” says Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership and your friendship.” Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secretarygeneral Saeb Erakat says, “The U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and now to move its embassy on the eve of marking 70 years since the Nakba [. . .] shows the determination of the U.S. administration to violate international law, destroy the 2-state solution, and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people, as well as of all Arabs, Muslims, and Christians around the globe.” (AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/23)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian and 1 German activist are injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a patrol near Jenin, and conducts further patrols near Hebron and Qalqilya. (MNA, WAFA 11/24; PCHR 11/30)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson announces that the PLO office in Washington will be allowed to remain open for at least another 90 days, after which Pres. Trump will decide whether or not to allow it to stay open indefinitely (see Update). The Trump administration has “advised the PLO Office to limit its activities to those related to achieving a lasting, comprehensive peace between the Israelis and Palestinians,” the spokesperson explains. (HA, MNA, TOI 11/25)

Approximately 25–30 gunmen launch an attack on a crowded mosque in the northern Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 300 Egyptian civilians. In response, the Egyptian army kills at least 30 of the militants in a series of strikes on known hideouts in the area. A Palestinian official says that the attack prompted the Egyptian authorities to cancel a planned 3-day opening of the Rafah border crossing on 11/25–27. (AFP, HA 11/24; AP, HA, REU, TOI 11/25)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), central Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 5 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. IDF troops also open fire on Palestinian youths near Jabaliya refugee camp along Gaza’s border, injuring 1. Meanwhile, IDF troops issue arrest summons to 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in central Hebron, causing no serious damage. (MNA, WAFA 8/18; MNA 8/19; PCHR 8/24)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers chase a Palestinian child and throw stones at her home in Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen working nr. Bayt Lahiya overnight. (MNA 8/11; MNA 8/12; PCHR 8/17)

Thousands of Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, celebrating the success of their 2-week campaign against the Israeli authorities’ attempt to impose new security measures at the sanctuary. Israeli forces arrest 9 worshippers on their way to the sanctuary and 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in nearby Qalandia r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c.; at least 5 Palestinians are injured. In c. Hebron, the IDF violently disperses Palestinians participating in a sit-in protest against the planned construction of a new IDF watchtower outside nearby Dura village (Israeli forces leveled land for the project on 7/31); there are no serious injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians and Palestinian homes in c. Hebron late at night; 3 Palestinians and 1 settler are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 8/4; MNA, YA 8/5; PCHR 8/10)

The Israeli authorities release to their families the corpses of 4 Palestinians killed during confrontations with Israeli forces in 7/2017. (MNA 8/4; YA 8/5)

Israel’s Min. of Justice announces that the state prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the killing, by an Israeli, of 2 Jordanians at the Israeli Embassy in Amman on 7/23. A Jordanian govt. spokesperson calls it a step in the right direction, but adds that Amman still expects a full and orderly inquiry. (HA 8/4; GH, MNA, YA 8/6)

Three Palestinian citizens of Israel open fire on Israeli police officers in the Old City of Jerusalem, critically injuring 3 (2 succumb to their injuries later in the day). The attackers seek refuge at Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces shoot and kill all 3. Israeli police deploy heavily across the Old City, block off all entrances to Haram al-Sharif, and cancel Friday prayers at the sanctuary, forcing Muslim worshippers to pray in the streets. They also detain and interrogate 58 Islamic Waqf employees. With tensions running high across the city, an unidentified assailant throws a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli settler family driving through Silwan; 3 of the settlers are injured, including an infant. Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; at least 25 are arrested. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is killed. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries or major damage. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also patrols in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/14; MNA 7/15; PCHR 7/20)

PA pres. Abbas phones Israeli PM Netanyahu to condemn the morning’s attack in Jerusalem and to denounce violence on both sides, particularly at holy sites. He also calls for Netanyahu to reopen Haram al-Sharif. Netanyahu reportedly tells Abbas that he will uphold the status quo at the sanctuary, but that Israeli forces will maintain security at all costs. Abbas later calls on Jordan to intervene, and the Jordanian govt. releases a statement calling on Israel to reopen the sanctuary. (HA, TOI, WAFA 7/14; HA 7/16)

After shutting down on 7/12, the Gaza power plant resumes operations, with 3 of its turbines supplying 70 MW to the local grid. It’s unclear if the fuel required came from Egypt or somewhere else. (MNA 7/15)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; at least 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, an armed Palestinian opens fire on IDF troops conducting a late-night operation in Jenin, causing no injuries. (The Israeli soldiers were removing a memorial for Khaled Nazzal, a Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine [DFLP] leader assassinated by Israeli Mossad agents in 1986.) Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, a former resident of Gaza who moved to Israel 5 years ago under family unification law crosses back into Gaza. Hamas security forces take him into custody. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, a deceased Palestinian from East Jerusalem washes ashore at Lake Tiberias. The cause of his death is not known. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/30; PCHR 7/6)

For the 5th time this week, errant mortar fire from Syria lands in an open area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage. The IDF returns fire at the source of the mortar. (MNA, TOI 6/30)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c.; at least 4 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jenin and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. (MNA 6/23; TOI 6/25; PCHR 7/6)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c., Rafah, and al-Bureij r.c.; 1 is killed in Gaza and at least 18 other Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron during the day. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians visit Haram al-Sharif, marking the 2d Friday of Ramadan. A group of Jewish settlers disguised in religious Muslim garb visit the sanctuary in a reported attempt to pray at the holy site. Islamic Waqf guards escort them out when they respond to questions in Hebrew. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, unidentified assailants slash the tires of 9 Palestinian cars and leave anti-Arab graffiti in Bayt Safafa overnight. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/9; PCHR 6/16)

Turkish and Palestinian officials reveal that Ankara has sent a cargo ship full of humanitarian aid, which will arrive in Gaza by the end of Ramadan. It will be the 3d shipment of Turkish aid since the IsraeliTurkish rapprochement of 6/2016 (see JPS 46 [1]). (MNA 6/9)

Three Palestinians are killed and 5 are injured while repairing a smuggling tunnel in s. Gaza. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian youths nr. Gaza City, injuring 1. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, c. Hebron, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Two Palestinian youths are injured when a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance detonates in c. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct a raid in Issawiyya while many residents are attending a funeral, sparking minor clashes with a number of mourners; there are no serious injuries. (MNA, 2/24; MNA, TOI 2/25; PCHR 3/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah; and patrol during the day nr. Ramallah and Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler’s vehicle nr. Ni‘lin, causing minor damage. (HA, MNA, 1/27; PCHR 2/2)

The Israeli authorities return 2 corpses of Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces on 1/17 and 6/24/16. (MNA, TOI 1/27)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in Hizma village, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 3 Palestinians are injured. In Israel, thousands of Palestinians and solidarity activists gather in Qalanswa to protest the Israeli govt.’s demolition of 11 buildings in the town on 1/10. (HA, MNA, YA 1/13; PCHR 1/19)

The Syrian army accuses Israel of launching an airstrike on a military airport nr. Damascus overnight. “Syrian army command and armed forces warn Israel of the repercussions of the flagrant attack and stresses its continued fight against (this) terrorism and [will] amputate the arms of the perpetrators,” the army says in a statement. Video footage of massive damage at the airport circulates on social media. It’s unclear if the attack resulted in any casualties. (HA, JP, YA 1/13)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Ramallah during the day. The IDF removes the checkpoints it imposed on 2 roads leading to Jalazun r.c. and Abud village nr. Ramallah on 12/31. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian nr. Nablus, seriously injuring him. (MNA 1/6; PCHR 1/12)

The family of the Palestinian fisherman who went missing off Gaza’s coast on 1/4 says that he died. His body has not yet been recovered. (MNA, TOI 1/7)

The Israeli authorities return the corpses of 2 Palestinians to their families in Hebron. The men were killed on 9/16 and 9/17 in c. Hebron. (MNA, TOI 1/6)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint nr. Ramallah after she allegedly attempts to stab them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Israeli activist is injured and 2 Palestinians are arrested. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers take over a Palestinian-owned residential building in Silwan in the morning. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis; there are no reported injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 12/30; PCHR 1/5)

Israeli forces return corpses of 2 West Bank Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF in the past 2 mos. to their families. (MNA 12/30)

A Palestinian stabs and injures an Israeli settler inside his home in the Efrat settlement nr. Bethlehem. After the attack, Israeli forces crack down on Palestinian villages nr. Bethlehem, setting up mobile checkpoints and clashing with stone-throwing Palestinians in multiple locations; there are no serious injuries. They also violently suppress the annual “Santa Claus March” in Bethlehem, causing no serious injuries. Elsewhere, a Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained during clashes with the IDF nr. Ramallah on 12/15. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 4 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Salfit and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/23; MNA 12/24; PCHR 12/29)

The UNSC passes Res. 2334, the anti-Israeli settlement measure that Egyptian diplomats circulated on 12/21, with 14 votes in favor and the U.S. abstaining. The res. contains no enforcement protocols, but it could facilitate lawsuits against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), sanctions on Israel’s settlement building, and more boycotts of settlement products. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, REU, TOI 12/23; HA, JP, YA 12/24)

After the UNSC vote, U.S. secy. of state Kerry says that he plans to “speak further to the vote . . . and share more detailed thoughts, drawn from the experience of the last several years, on the way ahead.” Some of Kerry’s aides say that he intends to lay out a “comprehensive vision for peace.” (YA 12/23; HA 21/24)

The Israeli authorities return 9 corpses of Palestinians killed during confrontations with the IDF in the past 6 mos., marking the 2d return of bodies in a week. (MNA, TOI 12/23)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian and 1 Israeli activist are arrested. The IDF also bars around 30 Palestinian families from reaching their olive groves nr. Nablus until 11/7. IDF troops conduct late-night raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, arresting 1 Palestinian, issuing arrest summons to another, and threatening punitive demolition to the home of a 3d; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. (MNA 11/4; MNA 11/7; PCHR 11/10)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus early in the morning, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian residents; at least 7 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 5 arrest summons during raids nr. Bethlehem and Hebron. (MNA 10/21; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 10/20)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they demolish property and threaten demolitions during late-night raids nr. Nablus and Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian farmlands nr. Qalqilya, destroying 50 olive trees. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian from Silwan while he is walking n. of the city. (MNA 10/14; PCHR 10/20)

At Egypt’s request, the UNSC holds a special meeting to discuss Israeli settlement building in the oPt, particularly the obstacles it presents to a 2-state solution. Two major anti-occupation groups, B’Tselem and Americans for Peace Now, address the UNSC. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 10/14; AP 10/15)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian photojournalist is injured. They also conduct raids and patrols nr. Nablus and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a patrol in Issawiyya, and arrest and assault a Palestinian in al-Tur. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats overnight nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 9/2; PCHR 9/8)

Senior Israeli officials say that PM Netanyahu is thinking about permitting International Criminal Court (ICC) officials to visit Israel and the oPt soon in the context of ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda’s preliminary examination into alleged war crimes during Israel’s summer 2014 assault on Gaza, as well as its settlement enterprise. According to ICC officials, the purpose of the visit would be “outreach and education,” rather than research and fact-finding. Israel decided to engage with Bensouda’s examination in 7/2015, after criticizing and boycotting it since its inception in 1/2015. (AFP, HA, JP 9/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City. Two Palestinians are injured, and 3 Palestinians and 1 international are arrested. They also conduct late-night raids in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian closes his coffee shop in Sheikh Jarrah on Israeli orders; 3 Palestinian families who lived in the building are displaced. (MNA 7/29; WAFA 7/30; PCHR 8/4)

Two days after the deadly attack in Tel Aviv, the IDF seals all border crossings between Israel and the West Bank and Gaza overnight, except for humanitarian and medical cases. The largescale closure will continue through midnight on 6/12. Elderly Gazans are barred from attending Friday prayers in Haram al-Sharif today. The IDF also maintains its closure of Yatta village, home of the 6/8 attackers, arresting 3 Palestinians during raids in the area throughout the day. (MNA, TOI, YA 6/10; MNA 6/13; PCHR 6/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and injure a mentally disabled Palestinian man after he allegedly attempts to stab Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint nr. Nablus. No Israelis are injured. The IDF arrests 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm and Hebron, sparking minor clashes, but no serious injuries; and patrol nr. Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. An Israeli settler driver rams a flock of Palestinian sheep nr. Jericho, killing 25. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities only permit Palestinian men over the age of 45, as well as Palestinian women of any age, to visit Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli police deploy heavily across the city and assault, injure, and arrest 5 Palestinians outside the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. In Israel, 5 Palestinian-owned vehicles are vandalized in price-tag attacks in the Galilee. Israeli police arrest 12 Palestinians at construction sites in Petah Tikva on the grounds that they did not have the proper work permits. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/10; PCHR 6/16)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and Silwad) and 1 nr. Qalqilya, as well as along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. For the first time in 11 years, the IDF refrains from using violent crowd control methods to disperse the Friday protest in Bil‘in nr. Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces since the surge of violence began in 10/2015 (1 on 5/23 nr. Jerusalem and 1 in Hebron on 3/24). They also level Palestinian land nr. Salfit to clear the area surrounding a nearby settlement. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and in Hebron; and also patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Salfit, damaging 1. In Gaza, a small armed group fires a rocket toward Israel, but it falls short of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 5/27; TOI 5/28; PCHR 6/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and Nabi Salih), 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Salfit, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed in a confrontation with Israeli forces in Israel on 3/8. IDF troops conduct late-night raids in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron. They assault and injure 1 Palestinian, issue an arrest summons to another, and destroy and confiscate some personal property. During the day, the IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah. (MNA 5/20; JP, TOI 5/21; PCHR 5/27)

Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon announces his resignation from the Defense Ministry and the Knesset, following PM Netanyahu’s public offer (5/18) for Yisrael Beytenu chair Lieberman to replace him as DM. Likud’s Yehuda Glick, the leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement, will replace Ya’alon in the Knesset. Later, Netanyahu says he “regret[s]” Ya’alon’s decision and says he wishes Ya’alon had “continued to be a full partner in the leadership of the state, in the role of FM.”(HA, MNA, TOI, YA 5/20; ALM 5/24)